Growing up I always looked forward to the first day of school, John.

I couldn't wait to see all my friends and get back to learning about new places, new perspectives, and new possibilities I might have otherwise never imagined. And as I got older, going back to school meant a new football season starting and getting to be part of a team again. 

Back then, I never had to think about someone with a gun walking into school. Now as a dad, I can't help but think about how different – and scary – sending our kids off to school can be. 

I just want all of our kids to be safe and free to learn in school. That's why I get so mad when politicians like Ted Cruz try to ban books about anything they don't agree with and continue to block common sense gun safety legislation. 

So as a parent whose kids will be directly affected by Ted Cruz's dangerous policy choices, I'm running to defeat Cruz and be a voice for families in the U.S. Senate. If you're with me, John, please chip in $5 to my campaign today →

Experts agree we have a real chance to win this thing: CNN says Ted Cruz is one of the most vulnerable Republican Senators on the ballot, and we're just 5 points down in the polls. I know in my bones Texans are sick and tired of Ted Cruz and ready for change. 

But this is already on track to be one of the most competitive and expensive races in the country, and I'm counting on grassroots Democrats like you to help me reach my $45,000 daily fundraising goal. So please, before my midnight deadline, will you donate $5 or more to help me defeat Ted Cruz and give Texans the Senator we deserve? →

Thank you so much,

Colin Allred